After more than a decade of redefining what a steakhouse could be, Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill founder Kenneth Emery is bringing his award-winning culinary philosophy home to Florida with the opening of Tommy’s Chophouse, coming soon to Ybor City.
Celebrated in Charleston for introducing one of the nation’s first female-forward, modern steakhouses, Emery’s latest concept continues that evolution — pairing the craft of a fine dining steakhouse with the warmth, design, and consciousness of a new generation.
“Tommy’s isn’t a sequel — it’s the next chapter,” says Kenneth Emery, founder and restaurateur in a statement. “We proved that a steakhouse could be elegant without being exclusive. Now we’re bringing that same philosophy home to Tampa, with even more passion for sustainability, design, and the social energy that makes dining memorable.”
Like Burwell’s, Tommy’s is rooted in responsible sourcing and culinary passion, working closely with American ranchers and fisheries to champion quality over convenience. The menu highlights Wagyu and premium cuts from trusted domestic suppliers, alongside thoughtfully composed small plates and inventive cocktails that mirror Emery’s belief in “elevated approachability.”
The Ybor City location also signals the next step in Emery’s innovation-first mindset: a fully electric kitchen, designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining the precision required for high-quality beef.
Named in honor of Tampa designer Thomas Lamb, a close friend and creative collaborator, the restaurant fuses craftsmanship and artistry at every level — a tribute to Lamb’s legacy and the city’s growing reputation as a design-forward culinary destination.
“Tommy’s represents everything I’ve learned in thirty years of building restaurants,” Emery adds. “It’s personal. I started my career here in Florida at 23, and this is me coming home — bringing back what Charleston helped me build and sharing it with the community that started it all.”
Tommy’s Chophouse joins Emery’s growing restaurant group, which also includes Ocean Ink Raw Bar, recently opened steps away in Ybor, expanding a portfolio dedicated to creativity, community, and culinary integrity.
